mindMESA
32 Followers
Cañon City, Colorado, United States
About the store
The Expertise Behind the Innovation: With over 14 years of experience in the trenches of STEM education, we've led everything from all-female engineering cohorts to district-wide science initiatives. Our background isn't just in teaching science—it’s in advancing it through accessible technology. We’ve integrated programmable drones, CAD design, micro:bits, and 3D printing into curriculum that meets standards while capturing imaginations.
Read more
All resources
Filters
Grade
Subject
Resource type
Standard
Audience
Programs & methods
Air Car STEM Challenge: Propeller Car Engineering Design Project (NGSS)
🚗 Air Car STEM Challenge: Build a Propeller-Powered Vehicle! Engineering Design Project | NGSS-Aligned | Grades 5–10 Turn your classroom into an engineering lab with this fast-paced, high-engagement STEM challenge where students design, build, and improve a battery-powered air car. The Goal: Create a propeller-driven vehicle that moves efficiently using thrust from a spinning fan. Students don’t just build—they test, analyze, and iterate, just like real engineers. ⚡ Why This Activity Work
5th - 10th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Physics
Changes of State Lab — Liquid Duster, 3D Pen & Phase Transitions
This lesson takes the invisible energy shifts of thermodynamics and turns them into a high-pressure, tactile experience. By observing a liquid duster rapidly expand into a gas and using heat to reshape polymers with a 3D pen, students gain a deep understanding of how energy dictates the physical state of matter. Activity DescriptionThe Changes of State Exploration is an inquiry-based lab that focuses on phase transitions and the Kinetic Molecular Theory. The lab uses two high-interest tools:
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: States of Matter and Phase Changes Labs Bundle
Submarine Density Engineering Lab — Ballast Tank Design
This engineering challenge takes the complex physics of buoyancy and turns it into a hands-on mechanical system. By manipulating air volume with a syringe, students act as "ballast control officers," gaining a concrete understanding of how density dictates whether an object defies or succumbs to gravity in a fluid. Activity DescriptionBuild a Submarine is a premier STEM engineering lab that focuses on Archimedes' Principle and Density Control. Unlike static sink-or-float activities, this lab r
5th - 12th
Engineering, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: Scientific Method and Measurement Skill Labs Bundle
Paper Circuit Engineering Lab — Build an LED Name Tent Project
This is a fantastic "entry-level" Paper Circuit activity that combines art with basic electrical physics. In this project, students use conductive tape, a coin cell battery, a paperclip, paper fastener, and an LED to turn a standard name tent into a glowing, expressive piece of technology. Activity DescriptionThe LED Name Tent Paper Circuit is a hands-on exploration of Current Electricity. Students learn the difference between an Open Circuit (off) and a Closed Circuit (on) while investigat
4th - 12th
Engineering, Other (Arts), Physics
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
Forms of Energy Lift-Flap Foldable — Interactive Graphic Organizer
This foldable project turns a standard piece of paper into a 3D study tool, helping students categorize the invisible forces that power our universe into seven distinct, manageable "buckets." Activity DescriptionThe Forms of Energy Lift-Flap Foldable is a graphic organizer and artistic task that emphasizes dual-coding—the process of learning through both words (definitions) and visuals (drawings). By physically cutting and lifting flaps, students engage in kinesthetic learning while building a
4th - 9th
Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
S'mores Heat Transfer Investigation — Identify All 3 Transfer Modes
This lab transforms a classic campfire treat into a delicious physics demonstration, allowing students to observe the "invisible" movement of thermal energy through every step of the cooking process. Activity DescriptionThe S’mores Heat Transfer Lab is a high-engagement, sensory-based investigation into thermodynamics. Students act as scientific observers to identify how heat moves from a burner to their ingredients. They witness Radiation as they feel the heat without touching the flame, Con
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: Energy & Heat Transfer Bundle
States of Matter Multi-Sensory Lab — 8 Stations: Solid to Plasma
This lab transforms the abstract "particle theory" of textbooks into a series of tactile experiments, allowing students to feel the resistance of compressed air and witness the ethereal glow of energized gas. Activity DescriptionThe States of Matter Lab is a multi-sensory rotation designed to illustrate Kinetic Molecular Theory. By moving through eight specialized stations, students observe the transition of matter across the four primary states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. The lab places
5th - 10th
Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
Also included in: States of Matter and Phase Changes Labs Bundle
Lever Mechanics Lab — Mechanical Advantage & Penny Load Investigation
Using the supplies listed below, build a small lever like the one pictured. Use the ruler as the lever, a pencil as the fulcrum, and tape cups to the ends to hold the pennies. Test the lever with pennies following the instructions given. Supplies: 2 small paper cups, one ruler (30cm long), One pencil, Some tape, About 60 pennies (per group)
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
Asteroid Impact Lab — Gravitational Potential Energy & Craters
Introduction & PurposeGravity is the force of attraction between objects with mass. This gravity pulls things together, even across vast distances. Somewhere in the solar system, the moon’s gravity is pulling on a space rock, or asteroid. Over time the rock gets closer and closer and speeds up as gravity pulls the rock towards the moon. Eventually the asteroid may hit the moon, leaving behind a crater. A crater is a bowl-shaped depression formed by an impact, and the moon is covered with them! I
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS3-5
Also included in: Energy Forms & Transformations Labs Bundle
Phase Change Investigation — Graph Temp vs. Time & Find Transitions
Problem: In this lab, you will explore the kinetic particle theory of matter, phase changes, and graph interesting patterns ● You will determine the phase change temperature points of water: the melting and boiling points ● You will create and interpret a phase change diagram Hypothesis: Write a prediction for the phase change points (solid to liquid, liquid to gas) of water that will occur when heat is added: Water will _______________________________________ at _____________ degrees ________
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS1-4
Also included in: States of Matter and Phase Changes Labs Bundle
Magnets Lab — Attraction, Repulsion & Field Line Visualization
Explore the fascinating world of magnets in our Magnet Lab! Witness the captivating forces of attraction and repulsion as you engage in hands-on experiments. Delve into the invisible realm of magnetic fields, discovering their intricate patterns through interactive activities. Uncover the secrets of magnetism as you observe, experiment, and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our magnetic world.
5th - 10th
Physical Science, Physics, Science
NGSS
MS-PS2-5
Also included in: Electricity and Magnetism Labs Bundle
Showing 1-11 of 11 results
About the store
Experience
The Expertise Behind the Innovation: With over 14 years of experience in the trenches of STEM education, we've led everything from all-female engineering cohorts to district-wide science initiatives. Our background isn't just in teaching science—it’s in advancing it through accessible technology. We’ve integrated programmable drones, CAD design, micro:bits, and 3D printing into curriculum that meets standards while capturing imaginations.
Teaching style
Our Classroom Philosophy: We energize the learning environment with a blend of "maker" spirit and pedagogical expertise. Our style is experiential, hands-on, and deeply relevant. We don’t want students to just read about a concept; we want them to hold it in their hands. By bringing 3D design and cutting-edge tech into the classroom, we foster a space where students transition from being consumers of information to innovators and problem-solvers.
Beyond the Bells: Our commitment to the "educational frontier" extends to leadership and advocacy. We have successfully spearheaded mentoring initiatives and secured significant funding through DonorsChoose to revitalize science departments. At mindMESA, we aren't just selling files or prints—we are sharing a philosophy of collaborative, tech-forward, and joyful learning.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Georgia Tech STEM Educators Network Member, 2024
DeKalb PATH Academy Impact Teacher Award, 2021
U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Carson, CO, Mountain Mover Award, 2012
My own education history
Our educational journey is the DNA of mindMESA. With a Docctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Leadership from Columbus State University, where we specialized in how 3D printing and engineering interventions shape the way students see the world. Our 'E' and 'M' (Engineering and Math) come from a Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering Technology from the University of Tennessee, where we researched the physics of vehicle-terrain interaction. The 'S' (Science) was born at Berry College, where I earned a B.S. in Environmental Science, concentrating in Biology with a minor in Geology. Every print we make is backed by a lifetime of scientific inquiry.
Additional biographical information
Our journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and educational excellence, with a clear vision to make a lasting impact on the field of STEAM education.
TPT is the largest marketplace for PreK-12 resources, powered by a community of educators.
IXL family of brands